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Revamped Ekhaya Park Opens
Pic: Moses Moyo
MMC for Community Development Cllr Nonhlanhla Sifumba with St Endas Pupils at the Launch of Ekhaya Park. Ntombekhaya Zibi news@inner-city-gazette.co.za
he Hillbrow community celebrated the opening of a recently revamped Ekhaya Park on Wednesday. Bukelwa Njingolo, Operations Executive of Johannesburg City Park Zoo led the walk about inside the park with the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Community Development in the City of Joburg Clr Nonhlanhla Sifumba and ward councillor 63, Cllr Linda Ntombela. The renovations to the park cost the city of
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Johannesburg a tune of R1.4 million, the upgrade included the installation of a full size synthetic soccer field; a new ablution block; park furniture embedded with a chess board and table tennis; themed playgrounds for toddlers; landscapes lawns and murals. Carel de Wit, chairperson of the Ekhaya Neighbourhood Board said aside from the big soccer tournament that the park will hold for Mandela Day, the park is a welcome sight for the residents living in the surrounding area, especially in Hillbrow where residents don’t have the luxury of park gardens. He con-
firmed that the property owners in the area will continue playing a meaningful role in the upkeep of the park. Ward councillor 63, Clr Linda Ntombela in her welcoming remarks requested the community members to use the park well and enjoy themselves but to also be safe. “The park is for the community and therefore they must work together with us to keep the park safe and clean.” Said Ntombela Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Development in the City of Johannesburg Cllr Sifumba during her keynote
address commended the Ekhaya Neighbourhood Improvement District for establishing a forum with business, Bad Boyz Security, local schools, SAPS, JCPZ and the community to reclaim the park and make it a safer place for everyone.She awarded certificates of Appreciation to Ekhaya Neighbourhood and BadBoyz security group for their role in keeping the park clean ,safe and secured . Cllr Sifumba also pleaded with business people around the inner city come on board and assist the Joburg city parks with smart benches which will help communities with ease access to WiFi and the digital world. “Park safety is of paramount importance for Joburg City Parks and the Zoo, who played a huge part in the maintenance of the facility. I want my Hillbrow back, where children can place safely in their open places particularly in their outdoors. As we mark world environment week we need to know we only have one earth, so let’s take good care of our parks, trees and our open space.” Said Sifumba Ward 62 Councilor Clr Zama Shezi, Region F Director Irene Mafune also attended the event with other community leaders. “To the residents, this is your park. Please take care of Ekhaya Park. “Ekhaya” is a Nguni word which means home. Make sure that everybody feels at home when they are using this park. Always ensure that young children are supervised at all times and all users of the park are advised not to damage the park. Report any suspicious activity to the BadBoyz security officer in the park or call 011 7126600” concluded Clr Sifumba.